College Football Top 25 Rankings 2011: How Will Big 10 Schedule Affect Nebraska?
With the Cornhuskers in the Legends Division of the newly aligned Big Ten, the 2011 college football season will be even more exciting.
A fresh start in a new conference, along with the inaugural Big Ten Championship game.
With that said, let's take a look at the "school's almost out" version of the top 25.
25. Mississippi State Bulldogs
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Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by dual-threat QB Chris Relf who totaled for 2,500 yards and 18 TDs.
Also, RB Vick Ballard returns after gaining 968 rush yards and 19 TDs.
Defensively, the secondary will be the strength as sophomore CBs Jonathan Banks and Corey Broomfield combined for six picks and 13 pass break-ups.
And, don't forget about junior CB Charles Mitchell who had 93 tackles.
With road games at Auburn, Georgia and Arkansas, the Bulldogs have another tough gauntlet in the SEC.
However, they get LSU, South Carolina and Alabama at home.
Therefore, they have a chance to be bowl bound if not better.
24. West Virginia Mountaineers
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Losing seniors Noel Devine and Jock Sanders to graduation hurts, but returning is QB Geno Smith (2,763 yards passing with 24 TDs) and WR/RB Tavon Austin (58 catches for 787 yards and eight TDs).
On the dark-side they have sack masters at DE in Julian Miller and Bruce Irvin (combined for 23 sacks and 75 tackles), as well as CB Keith Tandy who led the Big East with six picks.
Once again, the Mountaineers should contend for a Big East championship, especially with getting Connecticut and Pittsburgh at home.
23. Virginia Tech Hokies
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Replacing QB Tyrod Taylor and RB Darren Evans will be the most difficult tasks.
However, WR Jarrett Boykin returns after catching 53 passes for 847 yards and six TDs.
Also, WR Danny Coale (39 nabs for 732 yards and three TDs) comes back aside Boykin.
On the other side of the ball, Va-Tech has CB Jayron Hosley coming back after leading the nation with nine picks.
In the box, LB Bruce Taylor led the team with 91 tackles (15.5 for 60 yards lost) and second with six sacks.
With a favorable schedule in 2011, don't be surprised if the Hokies finish in the top five by season's end.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
22. Georgia Bulldogs
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The main focal point for Mark Richt's offense will be QB Aaron Murray who threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 TDs, as a freshman.
The Georgia defense however, has some LB holes to fill in losing Justin Houston and Akeem Dent.
But, safety Baccari Rambo takes control after leading the team with three forced fumbles as well as being second with 82 tackles.
Also, along side Baccari, CB Bandron Boykin and Sanders Commings had three picks.
If the defensive line can take over the QB sack duties, the Bulldogs D should pick up where they left off.
21. Florida Gators
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With veteran RB Jeffrey Demps once again in the backfield, QB John Brantley should improve on his 2010 campaign.
Brantley threw for over 2,000 yards, but also threw 10 picks to his nine TDs.
As for Demps, he had a down year running the ball (551 yards on 92 carries and only three TDs).
Defensively, Ahmad Black leaves for the draft but leave it to CB Janoris and LB Jelani Jenkins to lead the way.
Janoris finished 2010 with three picks and 44 tackles, while Jelani was second on the team with 76 tackles.
Playing Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Georgia in consecutive weeks will be rough, as well as traveling to South Carolina.
The Gators will be improved, but how much is the next question.
20. UCF Knights
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After coming off a conference title season in 2010, the Knights have increased expectations for 2011.
QB Jeffrey Godfrey is a dangerous dual-threat accounting over 2,700 yards and 22 TDs, while RBs Ronnie Weaver and Latavius Murray combined for 22 TDs.
Defensively however, the Knights lose SS Reggie Weams (five picks), OLB Bruce Miller (8.5 sacks) and OLB Derrick Hallman (85 tackles and four forced fumbles) to the draft.
But, they do retain DE Darius Nall who had 8.5 sacks and 14 QB hits.
There are some holes to fill on defense but don't overlook the Knights otherwise the scoreboard will burn-up.
19. Auburn Tigers
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Despite losing 21 seniors and two juniors to the NFL draft, the Auburn Tigers will still be a tough out in 2011.
The two RBs of Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb combined for 1,900 yards and 14 TDs last season, so keep an eye on them this fall.
On the defensive side, Coach Chizik brings in eight 4-star recruits (four DBs, two LBs and two d-linemen).
There is youth and talent, as well as some experience.
But, with road games at South Carolina, Georgia, LSU Arkansas and Clemson, next season will be rather difficult.
18. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Most people have them ranked much much higher.
Well, not having your head coach and five starters for the first five games becomes an issue.
Not to mention, two of those games are, at Miami (Fla.) and home versus Michigan State.
Then, once Coach Tressel and company come back, the Bucks' have to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers.
For as great as Terrelle Pryor and Dan Herron are, sitting out five games will cause them to be a bit rusty.
Add in the Cornhuskers, and Ohio State has a tough beginning in 2011.
17. Michigan State Spartans
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Losing team MVP ILB Greg Jones will be extremely difficult, as well as LB Eric Gordon and DBs Marcus Hyde and C.L. Rucker.
Refilling those holes on defense will be key, because the offense should be better than last year.
QB Kirk Cousins returns after throwing for over 2,800 yards and 20 TDs, while RB Edwin Baker (1,200 yards on 207 carries and 13 TDs) remains in the backfield.
WR Mark Dell is gone, but B.J. Cunningham is back after catching 50 balls for 611 yards and nine TDs.
The toughest games will be on the road at Notre Dame, Ohio State (even without their coach and five players), Nebraska, and Iowa.
Also, having the Wisconsin Badgers on the schedule (even though it's at home) will be no easy task.
Sparty could be just as good if not better, but a lot will depend on how quickly the D can reload.
16. Missouri Tigers
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A lot is expected from the Missouri Tigers in 2011.
Only losing QB Blaine Gabbert to the draft still hurts, so replacing him will not be easy.
However, remaining is RB De'Vion Moore who totaled 517 yards on 99 carries as well as eight TDs.
But, the receiving core may be the best in the country.
T.J. Moe (92 receptions for 1,045 yards and six TDs), Michael Egnew (90 receptions for 762 yards and five TDs), Jerrell Jackson (50 catches for 656 yards and three TDs) and Wes Kemp (39 balls for 420 yards and three TDs) all are threats in the air.
The Tigers are not as good defensively but still rather solid.
Losing CB Kevin Rutland will be tough, but Kip Edwards has potential.
Also, look out for DE Brad Madison (7.5 sacks) and OLB Zaviar Gooden (85 tackles, three sacks, two picks).
Can Mizzou climb to the of the Big 12? Well, there's only one way to find out.
15. Texas A&M Aggies
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With QB Jerrod Johnson graduating, watch for junior Ryan Tannehill to become the full-time starter.
In 2010, he gained significant experience after throwing for over 1,600 yards and 13 TDs in only seven game appearances.
Move into the backfield and we see RB Cyrus Gray who ran for over 1,100 yards and scored 12 TDs.
Not to mention he caught 34 balls for 251 yards with one TD.
Defensively, they lose top LB prospect Von Miller but retain ILB Michael Hodges who led the team with 115 tackles and also got 4.5 sacks with two picks.
Also, ILB Garrick Williams come back after having a 112-tackle season.
In 2011, the Aggies do get Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma State at home, so expectations are very high.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks
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Losing Ryan Mallet will be tough, but Tyler Wilson has the ability to take over the reigns.
Last season, he received the majority of his playing time verse Auburn where he went 25-of-34 for 332 yards and four TDs (zero picks).
In the backfield, look for Knile Davis to once again be the main Brahman Bull as he ran for 1,300 yards and 13 TDs .
On the defense, we see the return of LB Jerry Franklin (100 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and safety Tramain Thomas (four picks) to lead next year.
That said, the Razorbacks could be conference title contenders, but a lot will rely on the arm of Tyler Wilson.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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With the Irish coming off their best bowl win season since 1994, 2011 has rather high expectations.
If QB Dane Crist can remain healthy to start a full season, the Irish offense will be tough to stop.
Crist, who threw for over 2,000 yards with 15 TDs, had the majority go to WR Michael Floyd.
Floyd, who forwent the NFL draft to come back for his senior season, had over 1,000 yards receiving on 79 snatches with 12 TDs.
On the dark-side, ILB Manti Te'O led the team with 133 tackles, FS Harrison Smith robbed QBs for seven picks, and OLB Darius Fleming led the way with six sacks.
If Notre Dame can stay healthy and start 2011 the way 2010 finished, then we may see the green jerseys more than once.
12. Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Even with switching conferences prior to the 2011 season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers could be the Big Ten favorites.
Offensively, freshman All-American team QB Taylor Martinez comes off a sensational rookie campaign where he accounted for almost 2,600 yards including 22 TDs.
Replacing RB Roy Helu Jr. will be Rex Burkhead (951 yards on 172 carries and seven TDs), then look for Brandon Kinnie (44 nabs for 494 yards and five TDs) to remain as the primary target WR.
The Nebraska D is the scary part (in a good way-for 'Husker fans).
Only FS Eric Hagg is gone, while OLB Lavonte David (152 tackles, six sacks, 10 pass break-ups), DT Jared Crick (9.5 sacks) and CB Alfonzo Dennard (four picks, seven pass break-ups) all return.
In other words, don't be surprised to see the Cornhuskers in their third consecutive conference championship game.
11. Oklahoma State Cowboys
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Heading into 2011, the Oklahoma State Cowboys may have the nations best offense.
QB Brandon Weeden comes off a career year where he threw for over 4,200 yards with 34 TDs, while WR Justin Blackmon caught 111 balls for over 1,700 yards and 20 TDs.
Losing Kendall Hunter in the run-game will hurt but expect Joseph Randle to hit the ground running (literally).
Defensively, SS Markelle Martin returns after picking off three balls while breaking up 10 passes.
On the line of scrimmage, look for DE Jamie Blatnick (5.5 sacks) to improve his numbers along with Richetti Jones (4.5 sacks).
For the Cowboys to reach their first conference championship game, winning that final regular season game verse Oklahoma will need to happen.
Otherwise, last season repeats itself.
10. Wisconsin Badgers
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The bad news?
RB John Clay and QB Scott Tolzien graduate to the NFL draft.
The good news?
RBs James White (156 carries for 1,052 yards and 14 TDs) and Montee Ball (163 carries for 996 yards and 18 TDs) return.
Therefore, the Badgers remain a run-oriented football team.
Defensively however, DE J.J. Watt is gone but, CB Antoni Fenelus (four picks, seven pass break-ups, and 56 tackles) remains.
You can never count out the Badgers, so there's no reason to this early.
9. LSU Tigers
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LSU just reloads each year, period.
Losing key players such as CB Patrick Peterson, LB Kelvin Sheppard, DT Drake Nevis, RB Stevan Ridley and WR Terrence Toliver, Les Miles knows he had some recruiting work to do.
And yet, they bring in another juggernaut class.
In addition, QB Jordan Jefferson returns after accounting for 1,850 yards and 14 TDs.
On the defense, LB Ryan Baker is back after totaling 87 tackles and seven sacks.
Then you add in CB Morris Claiborne (five picks and 11 pass deflects), and LSU fans are feeling good.
Arguably the biggest game of the year, LSU faces Oregon in Week 1, then in Week 9, they travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and take on the Tide.
Those two games have national title implications.
8. TCU Horned Frogs
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In their final year of the Mountain West Conference, you know the Horned Frogs are going to want to get the last laugh.
However, that won't be easy with the losses of QB Andy Dalton and WR Jeremy Kerley.
But, fear not Frog faithful as RB Ed Wesley returns after a 1,078 yard season that included 11 TDs.
And, at TCU university, defense is where it's at.
Losing OLB Wayne Daniels, CB Jason Teague and FS Colin Jones to the NFL draft is tough, but ILB Tanner Brock (106 tackles), OLB Tank Carder (9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) and CB Greg McCoy (eight pass deflects, two picks) remain.
TCU has become a college football powerhouse, so don't be surprised to see coach Gary Patterson reload each year.
Also, be sure to tune in when TCU battles Boise State in Week 10 on the blue turf.
How many seconds until football season?! Get excited.
7. Florida State Seminoles
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For Jimbo Fisher's 'Noles, losing QB Christian Ponder is really their only key loss.
And, even with that, QB E.J. Manuel appeared in five games and threw for 861 yards and four TDs.
If he can quickly get the timing and rhythm down with his WRs, FSU will be unreal in 2011.
The receiving core is young and experienced with Bert Reed (614 yards on 58 nabs), Willie Haulstead (587 yards on 38 balls), Taiwan Easterling (551 yards on 43 catches) and Rodney Smith (448 yards on 31 receptions).
The ground game will also be dangerous as RB Chris Thompson ran for 846 yards on 133 carries, including six TDs.
Defensively you better look out.
DE Markus White and ILB Kendall Smith are their big losses, but they retain a lot of talent.
OLB Nigel Bradham (98 tackles, five sacks, five pass deflects), CB Greg Reid (17 pass deflect, three picks, 65 tackles), CB Xavier Rhodes (16 pass deflects, four picks, 58 tackles) and DE Brandon Jenkins (13.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss) are all coming back.
Like I said, look out for the Seminoles in 2011.
6. South Carolina Gamecocks
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For the second year in a row, coach Steve Spurrier reels in the No. 1 recruit in the country.
DE Jadeveon Clowney will be complimented by fellow d-linemen sack-masters Melvin Ingram (9.5) and Devin Harris (7.5).
Also, watch out for CB Stephon Gilmore who led the team with 79 tackles and three picks.
Offensively, QB Stephen Garcia returns after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 20 TDs.
Then on the ground, the backfield features the 2010 No. 1 recruit RB Marcus Lattimore.
Lattimore was a first-team All-SEC selection as a freshman and ran for almost 1,200 yards with 17 TDs.
If there is a year where the Gamecocks can very well win the SEC and/or national title, this is the year.
5. Stanford Cardinal
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With Heisman front-runner QB Andrew Luck coming back, the Cardinal will be national title contenders in 2011.
Losing WR Doug Baldwin hurts, but look for Ryan Whalen (41 balls for 439 yards and two TDs) as well as Coby Fleener (434 yards on 28 catches, including seven TDs).
In the ground game, keep an eye on RB Stepfan Taylor (1,137 yards on 223 carries, including 15 TDs).
Flipping sides, the D is led by LBs Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas who combined for 154 tackles and 15 sacks.
Also, SS Delano Howell is a must see since he got a team leading five picks as well as 10 pass deflects.
If there is one team that can compete with the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12, Stanford is that team.
4. Boise State Broncos
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QB Kellen Moore is back for his senior season, so the Broncos are going to be flying high again.
Also, dual-threat RB Doug Martin who totaled 1,600 yards with 14 TDs joins Moore in the explosive offense.
Losing WRs Titus Young and Austin Pettis won't be easy to replace but expect Tyler Shoemaker (32 catches fr 582 yards and five TDs) and Kyle Efaw (299 yards on 24 catches with five TDs) to pick things up.
The defense takes the biggest hit with SS Jeron Johnson, CB Brandyn Thompson and Winston Venable going to the NFL draft.
However, DEs Shea McClellin (13.5 sacks) and Tyrone Crawford (seven sacks) are going to lead the way.
Just be sure to watch the game versus TCU on the blue turf, because it could have national title implications.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Losing QB Greg McElory, RB Mark Ingram and WR Julio Jones to the NFL draft will put a damper on the offense.
But, with QB A.J. McCarren who received playing time in nine games, along with RB Trent Richardson (700 yards and six TDs), Nich Saban should stay on track.
Defensively, losing DT Marcell Dareus hurts but still expect 'Bama to "Roll Tide" on D.
That said, the return of CBs Mark Barron (led team with 75 tackles) and Robert Lester (led SEC with eight picks), as well as LB Courtney Upshaw (led team with seven sacks) will keep Tusaloosa excited.
The tough games will be on the road at Florida, Mississippi State and Auburn, but Alabama should still at least contend for another SEC title.
2. Oklahoma Sooners
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Coach Bob Stoops once again brings in a sweet recruiting class and has key players coming back.
After a sensational year, QB Landry Jones has solidified himself as one of the elite QBs in the country.
Also, WR Ryan Broyles (131 balls for 1,622 yards and 14 TDs) will lead the receiving core along with Kenny Stills.
With DeMarco Murray gone, the run-game may suffer, but it won't slow down the entire offense.
Defensively, with the losses of OLB Jeremy Beal and DE Macon Pryce, watch for OLB Travis Lewis (109 tackles and three picks), DE Fran Alexander (seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss) and Jamell Fleming (five picks, 14 pass break-ups).
Two games stick out on the schedule—at Florida State and home versus Oklahoma State.
Two games that could determine the Sooners' national and/or conference title implications.
Kickoff can't come soon enough.
1. Oregon Ducks
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With a top-notch recruiting class combined with some big playmakers, the Oregon Ducks are the national favorites.
Offensively, they lose WR Jeff Maehl, but QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James return to defend their conference title, as well as win a national title.
Don't be surprised if both finish in the top five of the Heisman race either.
Defensively, LBs Casey Matthews and Kenny Rowe graduate to the NFL draft, but CB Cliff Harris (six picks, 23 pass deflects) is back, along with FS John Boyett (five picks, 14 pass deflects, 78 tackles).
The Ducks offense will be just as good if not better in 2011 and expect the D to do their part as well.
Week 1 against the LSU Tigers will be an early season game with national title implications.
Then, a late-season matchup at Stanford for a bid in the first Pac-12 championship game.
Fans, college football season is less than six months away!
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
